Despite plenty of public service advertising campaigns and
state enforced child restraint laws, many parents still need to do more to
protect their children while driving. According to the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC), car accidents are a leading cause of death in
children. Following proper safety guidelines, however, can help prevent a great
number of these deaths.
The proper use of car seats for infants reduces the risk of
death by 71% and by 54% for toddlers. The use of booster seats for children
aged 4-8, reduces the risk of serious injury by 45%, as compared with the use
of a seat belt alone. And the use of seat belts for older children reduces the
risk of serious injury and death by 50%.
According to a study by the CDC, 72% of 3,500 observed car
and booster seats were incorrectly used in such a way that they actually
increased the risk of injury to a child.
Parents need to practice and secure proper use of restraint.
Following these tips can help reduce the risk of injuries and more seriously,
death, if involved in a car accident:
-
Use the proper restraint system every time, no
matter how short the trip is.
-
The middle of the back seat is the safest place
in the car.
-
Never seat children in front of an airbag.
-
Use a rear-facing car seat for infants under the
age of two.
-
Use a forward facing car seat for children ages
two to five.
-
For children five and up, use a booster seat
until a seat belt fits them properly. Seat belts should fit so that the lap
belt lays across the upper thighs, and the shoulder belt lies across the chest.
-
Make sure you install and use the car and
booster seats correctly. If you need help, you can contact certified Child
Passenger Safety Technicians who can assist you.
The consequences for improperly using car seats can be
severe. Therefore, it’s extremely important to make sure your child is well
secured in their car seat. It could make all the difference in a life or death
situation.
If
you or someone you know has been involved in a car crash or truck accident in
Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Sterling Heights, Lansing, Flint, Ann Arbor,
Livonia, Dearborn, Canton, Westland, Troy, Farmington Hills, Southfield,
Waterford or any other city in Michigan, make sure to contact Motor City
Accident Attorneys by calling 1-800-411-PAIN. Motor City Accident Attorneys
know how stressful a car accident can be and want to help you get back on your
feet. They will fight tirelessly for your rights and help you get the compensation
you deserve, according to your specific case. Make sure to follow Motor City
Accident Attorneys on Twitter (@MCAccidentAtty) and Facebook. Join the
conversation by using #MCAA.
